Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and quick dinner? Look no further! This chicken stir-fry recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, vibrant vegetables, and tender chicken, all thanks to a simple yet incredibly effective marinade. Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy and healthy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- ½ cup sliced carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be!
Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Add the onion, bell peppers, and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the broccoli and snow peas and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok and toss to combine.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Don't overcrowd the wok when stir-frying. Work in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken and vegetables cook evenly.
- If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas.
Variations:
- Spicy Stir-Fry: Add a teaspoon or more of red pepper flakes to the marinade or stir-fry for extra heat.
- Peanut Stir-Fry: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy and nutty flavor.
- Teriyaki Stir-Fry: Replace the soy sauce and honey with teriyaki sauce for a classic teriyaki flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. A general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) is approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy chicken stir-fry recipe is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. Enjoy this delicious and homemade cooking experience! It's a surefire way to create delicious dishes that are both satisfying and nutritious. Try it today and discover your new favorite weeknight meal!